What Is The “Ask For Angela” Scheme?

Feeling safe and secure when we’re out and about is all part of the experience, but with the rise of spiking and crime against vulnerable people, that’s not always in our control. As we’ve seen across the news in recent months, compliance with this initiative is still not fully understood for both venues and visitors, with many asking, “What is the Ask For Angela scheme?”

In our latest article, we explain what the “Ask for Angela” vulnerable person scheme is, why it matters, and who can access this support. We’ll also offer expert insights into what this might mean for the future of event security and venues across the UK.

What Is “Ask For Angela”?

The “Ask For Angela” scheme is a non-profit public safety initiative that’s designed to offer support and a quick exit for anyone who feels unsafe or vulnerable while out. That could be when you’re on a date, out with friends, at a public or private event, or anywhere where you’re around people who make you feel uncomfortable.

According to the official “Ask for Angela” website, the scheme aims to contribute to a safer night out and a more welcoming atmosphere for everyone at venues and events nationwide.

They believe that anyone who feels unsafe or vulnerable should have the option to approach a member of staff, state that they’re “looking for Angela”, and receive assistance and support without feeling judged for asking for help in public.

That could be in the form of being led to a safe space, escorted out by licensed security officers, or provided with the means to contact a family member, friend or the emergency services. While many assume that it’s only applicable to specific bar safety schemes, it’s equally true that there’s a need for the initiative to become more widely distributed.

So named for Angela Crompton, a woman abused and murdered by her husband in 2012, many associate the scheme with protecting women, and more widely with sexual violence prevention. That’s statistic-supported, with research from the UK branch of UN Women found that 80% of all women had been sexually harassed or felt uncomfortable in public spaces, rising to 97% among 18 – 24-year-olds.

Ask for Angela is designed to protect anyone who feels vulnerable, endangered or otherwise unsafe in a public space. The scheme has had particular success among women and those in the LGBTQ+ community, simply because these tend to be more marginalised groups. Still, the initiative applies to anyone who may need it.

Is “Ask For Angela” A Law?

No, but that may change in the near future. As defined by the initiative itself, it’s a campaign aimed at making nightlife in licensed venues and event spaces safer. It has, however, been widely adopted by multiple local councils, police forces, and thousands of venues across the UK.

How Is “Ask For Angela” Being Used Across Venues & Events?

Venues and events are using the “Ask for Angela” as a sexual harassment prevention measure, with venues utilising the initiative to support vulnerability management and specific venue safety protocols (like exit strategies and safe spaces). It’s also a proven method for improving profits and repeat patronage, with studies showing that customers return to places where they feel safer and better accommodated.

For most people, the “Ask for Angela” scheme isn’t something they’d have to think about. While it’s hoped that you’d never need to use the phrase, it’s a reassuring and welcome presence and can often form the crux of any bar safety scheme or event planning measures you have in place.

For others, this public safety initiative has become a lifeline, ensuring that a night out doesn’t have to be as daunting an experience as it could otherwise be. Knowing there’s a simple phrase in place is often the reassurance you’ll need to relax and enjoy your evening.

The training materials have become a welcome addition, and the low-cost materials have been a low barrier to entry. Similarly, it’s also become a good opportunity to offer staff members further development opportunities and to become a steadfast part of their community – essential as we’ve seen with our officers across nationwide events.

It’s also been supported by further data from a recent YouGov survey. In the wake of “Ask for Angela” being rolled out more widely, the survey found that almost half of people (and almost two-thirds of women) would be more inclined to visit a venue or premises if there were better safety protocols in place, especially those focused on the safety of women and girls.

That in turn leads to more repeat business, happier customers, and more competent staff members. It’s easy to assume, given the statistics and the impact this can have, that all venues would be working tirelessly to get their premises up to speed with such a pivotal part of safety in hospitality.

It’s not always the case, however. A recent BBC exposé found that venues across London struggled with implementing . 13 of the 25 venues visited didn’t know how to respond to, or outright declined, the “Angela” request.

These findings are concerning, to say the least. While it’s one thing to feel safer and more secure when we’re out and about, the BBC’s report lends itself to more concerning and dangerous consequences. Recent research found that 61% of young people had either been spiked or witnessed spiking happen.

What Does The Future Hold For The “Ask for Angela” Scheme?

While the BBC’s mid-November exposé didn’t yield particularly positive findings, it’s equally valid to note that it’s still a growing movement. The “Ask for Angela” safe spaces initiative was only coined in 2016, with Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) training only following a year later in 2017.

There are positive shoots of movement, though. Local councils are increasingly incorporating adherence to the “Ask for Angela” scheme into their licensing requirements for premises – a significant step in the right direction towards preventing vulnerability.

That’s also abundantly clear through the police involvement. Specific resources, such as those from Merseyside Police, demonstrate that law enforcement is taking safety in hospitality measures seriously, as well as implementing police community initiatives.

That hasn’t come a moment too soon, many would argue. We alluded earlier to a study from the LAD Bible Group, and further findings from that report indicate that public confidence plays a massive role in whether incidents of this nature are reported.

That’s where we’d suggest the future of the “Ask for Angela” initiative lies. While reports of the scheme making its way overseas (the bar safety scheme has started to be implemented in Toronto, for example) are exciting and positive news, it’s closer to home where we’d love to see more development take place.

Police and community support can and do make a huge difference in passing schemes of this nature into legislation, but it’s essential to recognise that that won’t happen overnight. While the “Ask for Angela” scheme is a universally positive step for venues and events, it still has a long way to go before it becomes an integral part of legislation.

In the meantime, it falls to security providers to reinforce and offer support in preventing sexual harassment.

How Can Security Officers Help With The “Ask for Angela” Initiative?

While the majority of our article so far has focused on how venues, events and their respective organisers or owners can (and should) get involved with the wider movement that “Ask for Angela” training has created, security providers also play a major role.

This is naturally an area ProFM are familiar with, having been the UK’s #1 security provider under the Security Industry Authority (SIA) for 3 years running. We don’t retain that title by staying stagnant – we’re consistently and proactively ahead of the curve, especially so with measures like the ones we’ve discussed here.

Our physical security measures have always been second to none, and that’s where our efforts in advocating for “Ask for Angela” really shine. We’re one of the few providers able to offer Door Supervisor (DS) licenced officers who’ve undergone Welfare & Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) training.

These expertly trained operatives go above and beyond in offering the necessary support should your venue or event ever hear that request for “Angela” – a reassurance for both your venue and your patrons.

We’re also a major advocate for stricter laws around drink spiking (something we’ve already addressed at length here). Our DS officers have also undergone specific training in recognising the signs, supporting victims, and providing support in both the moment and the aftermath of the incident.

With measures now once again in the public eye, there’s never been a better time to invest in your security measures. Partner with the UK’s #1 today to ensure you’ve got all you need to support your customers throughout their time with you. Be sure to contact us and speak to a member of our team to find out more.